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1 National Marine Protected Areas Center A collaboration between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Department of the Interior Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States of America March 2015 m a r i n e p r o t e c t e d a r e a s. n o a a. g o v

3 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas Of the United States of America March 2015

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5 Table of Contents Executive Summary...1 I. Introduction...3 A. Background... 3 B. Process for Developing the Framework... 6 C. Benefits of an Effective National System... 6 II. About MPAs and MPA Networks...8 A. Definition of MPA and its Key Terms... 8 B. MPA Networks... 8 III. What is the National System of MPAs? A. National System Purpose B. National System Goals and Conservation Objectives C. Building the National System from Existing and New Sites IV. Nominating MPAs to the National System V. Strengthening the National System of MPAs and MPA Programs A. Improving MPA Stewardship, Science, and Effectiveness B. Fostering Regional MPA Networks and Collaboration C. National Coordination D. International Coordination E. Federal Agency Responsibilities to Avoid Harm VI. Expanding the National System of MPAs A. Identifying Conservation Gaps B. National System Design Principles VII. Tracking, Reporting and Evaluation A. Marineprotectedareas.noaa.gov Website B. Evaluating National System Effectiveness VIII. Role of the MPA Center A. Strengthening the National System of MPAs and MPA Programs B. Expanding the National System of MPAs... 24

7 Executive Summary In the United States and around the world, marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly recognized as an important management tool for managing or buffering impacts threatening the health of our oceans, including coastal and offshore development, overfishing and a changing climate. When used effectively and as a part of a broader ecosystem-based approach to management, MPAs can help to restore and maintain healthy marine and Great Lakes environments by contributing to the overall protection of critical marine habitats and resources. In this way, effective MPAs also can offer social and economic opportunities for current and future generations, such as tourism, biotechnology, fishing, education, and scientific research. MPAs are designated and managed at all levels of government by a variety of agencies including parks, fisheries, wildlife, natural resource and historic resource departments, among others. In the U.S., more than 1,700 MPAs have been established by more than 100 legal authorities, each with its own legal purpose. These MPAs have been established to achieve a wide range of conservation objectives, ranging from conservation of biodiversity hotspots, to preservation of sunken historic vessels, to protection of spawning aggregations important to commercial and recreational fisheries. Similarly, the level of protection provided by these MPAs ranges from fully protected or no-take marine reserves to sites allowing multiple uses, including fishing, recreational, and industrial uses. Recognizing the significant role that U.S. MPAs play in conserving marine resources and the need for additional MPA coordination and capacity building, Presidential Executive Order of May 26, 2000 (Order) called for the development of a National System of Marine Protected Areas (national system) (see Appendix J). The Order clearly called for a national system extending beyond federal sites, requiring collaboration with coastal states and territories, tribes, Regional Fishery Management Councils, and other entities. The Order further specified that the national system be scientifically based, comprehensive, and represent the nation s diverse marine ecosystems and natural and cultural resources. To provide a blueprint for building the National System of MPAs, 1 the Order called for the development of a framework for a National System of MPAs and directed the establishment of a National MPA Center (MPA Center) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to lead the system s development and implementation. The Framework for the National System of MPAs of the United States of America (Framework) was originally developed between 2005 and 2008, with extensive input from federal and state MPA agencies, the public, and the MPA Federal Advisory Committee (MPA FAC). This updated Framework reflects the experience of the National System based on its implementation since November 2008, as well as additional recommendations from the MPA FAC. The Framework outlines the following key components of the national system: A definition of the term MPA ; National system goals and conservation objectives; Capacity building to strengthen the management effectiveness of U.S. MPA programs; Processes for fostering regional MPA networks and collaboration; 1 The purpose of this document is to provide a framework for developing and implementing a National System of MPAs; it is not a blueprint for the establishment of individual MPAs.

8 Mechanisms for national and international collaboration; Preliminary guidance regarding federal agency responsibilities to avoid harm to resources protected by the National System of MPAs; Principles and processes for expanding MPA networks and establishing new MPAs; and Approaches for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on national system progress and priorities. In addition, detailed Appendices provide: MPA eligibility criteria and other key definitions; A nomination process for existing MPAs to be included in the national system that provides opportunities for public input; and Other supporting documents. The Framework recognizes that U.S. MPA programs can achieve more efficient and effective conservation of the nation s important natural and cultural resources by working together, and that many solutions require collaboration across programs with their own individual mandates, levels of government, and even international boundaries. It envisions a national system made up of existing MPAs that work together to link and strengthen connections between the nation s federal, state, tribal and local MPA programs. This Framework describes the broad set of actions needed to implement this vision. Based on the initial implementation of this Framework from , NOAA and the Department of the Interior recognize that constrained resources necessitate setting priorities. Looking ahead, the National Marine Protected Areas Center s highest priorities will be those that most directly and immediately address the goals of the Executive Order connecting sites and programs into regional and national networks; building the capacity of MPA sites and programs; and strengthening the national coordination among federal MPA agencies and with ocean stakeholders. Through these collaborative efforts among U.S. MPA programs and stakeholders, the national system can achieve the Order s goal of enhancing the comprehensive conservation of the nation s natural and cultural marine heritage and the ecologically and economically sustainable use of the marine environment for present and future generations. 2

9 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas I. Introduction A. Background With the world s largest Exclusive Economic Zone (Figure 1), the coastal, marine, and Great Lakes waters of the United States 2 support an incredible diversity and wealth of life. These waters also play host to untold special places that represent our rich cultural heritage and connections to the sea. In the same way, multiple human uses, livelihoods, and other activities take place in the marine and coastal environment, benefitting from and relying upon the sustained health of our nation s vast natural and cultural heritage. As human populations grow and use of marine resources increases, so do the pressures and stresses exerted on these intricately balanced ecosystems. Ensuring the long-term health of these ecosystems and the sustained benefits on which humans depend requires comprehensive management approaches. In the United States and many other countries around the world, marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly recognized and used as important tools for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and as an important component of a 2 Important terms are in bold the first time they are used and defined in the Glossary found in Section VI of this document. comprehensive management approach. Recognizing the expanding role and importance of MPAs in the United States, Presidential Executive Order of May 26, 2000 (Order) directs the Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Department of the Interior (DOI), in consultation with other federal agencies, 3 to 3 The Department of Defense, the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation, and other pertinent federal agencies. 3 Figure 1. U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone develop a National System of Marine Protected Areas (national system). The Order specifies that this is to be a national and not a federal system and requires consultation with all states (this includes U.S. states, territories, and commonwealths) that contain portions of the marine and Great Lakes environment; tribes; Regional Fishery Management Councils (FMCs); and other entities, as appropriate, including the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (MPA

10 FAC) established by the Department of Commerce under the Order. The Order further specifies that the national system be scientifically based and comprehensive, and that it represent the diverse marine ecosystems of the United States and the nation s natural and cultural resources. To guide the development of the national system, the Order calls for a framework for a National System of MPAs and establishes the National MPA Center (MPA Center) within DOC s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop the system and coordinate its subsequent implementation. This Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States of America (Framework) outlines collaborative processes for building this system of existing MPA sites, networks, and systems established and managed by federal, state, tribal, or local governments and for collectively working together at the regional and national levels to achieve common objectives for conserving the nation s important natural and cultural resources. For the purposes of the national system, the term marine protected area (MPA) is defined by the Order as, Any area of the marine environment that has been reserved by Federal, State, territorial, tribal, or local laws or regulations to provide lasting protection for part or all of the natural and cultural resources therein. The term MPA, as defined and used in this document, is not synonymous with or limited to no-take reserves or marine reserves. The term MPA as used here encompasses an array of levels of protection and conservation purposes, from areas that allow multiple-use activities to areas that restrict take and/or access. The Framework recognizes that existing MPAs require different levels of protection to achieve their management goals, and that these diverse objectives offer different values to the national system that can help meet its goals and objectives to conserve natural heritage and cultural heritage and achieving sustainable production of resources found in the coastal and marine environments. While MPAs are an important tool for marine conservation, other types of management approaches are also employed to address marine conservation objectives while allowing other appropriate uses and activities in the marine environment to take place in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner. Like all tools, MPAs should be carefully designed and implemented to meet specific conservation goals. The implementation of the national system must be both coordinated and integrated within the larger, evolving ecosystem-based approach to managing marine resources. 4 Neither the national system nor the Order establish any new legal authorities to designate, manage, or change MPAs, nor do they alter any existing federal, state, local, or tribal MPA laws or programs. Each MPA or program that participates in the national system will continue to be independently managed by its respective entity or entities, as will any new sites that may be established by those authorities. The national system is intended to support, not interfere with, agencies independent exercises of their own existing authorities. The national system is therefore envisioned as a system of sites and systems to achieve conservation and management objectives that could not be accomplished by individual MPAs or MPA programs working independently. Furthermore, the requirements outlined in the Order, which provide the legal authority for establishing the national system, apply only to the actions of federal agencies. The Order does not direct the actions of states or tribes, or alter any existing state, local, or tribal authorities or treaties regarding the establishment or management of MPAs or marine resources under their jurisdiction. Finally, nothing in this document is to be construed as altering existing authorities regarding the establishment of federal MPAs in areas of the marine environment subject to the jurisdiction and control of states, tribes, or local governments.

11 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas While the Order s requirements apply only to federal agencies, the full and ongoing participation of state, tribal, and local governments is critical to an effective national system. MPAs are designated and managed at all levels of government by a variety of agencies including parks, fisheries, wildlife, and natural resource and historic resource departments, among others. U.S. MPAs have been established by over 100 legal authorities, with some federal and state agencies managing more than one MPA program, each with its own legal purpose. Given the importance of the marine resources they manage and their wealth of experience in doing so, building and implementing the national system in partnership with state, tribal, and local governments is a major emphasis of the Framework. A full description of the range of existing U.S. MPA programs, federal MPA initiatives and tribal and international efforts can be found in Appendix B of this document. In light of this breadth of existing U.S. MPA responsibilities, the Order recognizes the need and calls for a national, rather than federal, system of MPAs with a geographic scope that spans the U.S. waters of the Pacific Ocean; Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea; Arctic Ocean; and the Great Lakes. By establishing an effective structure for working together, the national system will help to increase the efficient protection of important marine resources; contribute to the nation s overall social and economic health; support government agency cooperation and integration; and improve the public s access to scientific information and decision making about the nation s marine resources. It affords all system members the protections of Section 5 of the Executive Order, which requires federal agencies to avoid harm to the natural and cultural resources protected by MPAs within the national system, to the extent permitted by law and to the maximum extent practicable. The collaborative efforts of the national system are also intended to benefit the participating federal, state, tribal and local government partners through the identification of shared priorities for improving MPA effectiveness and the development of partnerships to provide assistance in meeting those needs. Finally, the national system provides a foundation for cooperation with other countries to conserve resources of common concern. 5

12 B. Process for Developing the Framework This Framework was first developed in 2008, after an extensive, multi-year process to engage the MPA FAC, states, tribes, federal agencies, FMC representatives, and nongovernmental stakeholders to ensure that the national system represents the nation s interests in the conservation and sustainable use of its natural and cultural marine resources. In developing this revision, the MPA Center engaged these stakeholders and partners in direct discussions and through a public notice and comment period to obtain their continued input. This updated Framework reflects the MPA Center s experience implementing the National System in its first few years, as well as additional recommendations from the MPA Federal Advisory Committee. The MPA Center continues to work with and solicit input from federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, FMCs, stakeholder groups, and the general public about how the national system can most effectively connect and support the nation s MPA programs. C. Benefits of an Effective National System The national system has the potential to provide numerous benefits above and beyond those benefits realized by individual MPA sites and programs. These benefits stem from the added value of the national system in linking and strengthening MPAs and MPA programs, including fostering regional MPA networks and professional networks of MPA managers and staff. This networking and capacity building will lead to more effective and efficient management of marine resources, including the social and economic values they provide. The benefits associated with the national system are linked to the level of investment in it, and should increase over time. Benefits to MPAs and MPA Programs Enhancing Stewardship - The national system helps protect MPAs against the harmful effects of human activities by fostering regional MPA networks and enhancing public awareness, site management capacity, and the public s recognition of these MPAs as important conservation areas. Building Partnerships - The national system provides opportunities for MPAs to work together more effectively. The system is also building partnerships between member MPAs and related ocean management initiatives, such as ocean observing systems, ocean mapping, navigational charting, and others. Increasing Understanding of and Support for Marine Conservation 6 Being part of the national system can enhance the stature of member sites within their managing entities and their local communities, building support for investment in MPA programs. It also provides national and international recognition, like that provided by international protected area networks such as World Heritage and Ramsar Wetlands. Coordinated outreach expands the impacts of individual program outreach efforts, bringing increased recognition and visibility to MPAs, particularly those that protect important resources but are remote or little known. For example, the MPA Center works with state MPA programs to highlight their accomplishments in publications and on the Center s website and through social media, providing broader, national level exposure to these efforts. Promoting Cultural Heritage - Participation in the national system elevates the recognition of and appreciation for the cultural heritage value of MPA sites such as shipwrecks, archaeological sites and areas of cultural significance to tribal and indigenous people, an often overlooked focus of marine conservation. Federal Action to Protect MPA Resources - Executive Order calls for federal agencies to avoid harm to the natural and cultural resources protected by National System MPAs. Federal agencies are required to identify their

13 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas activities that affect the natural and cultural resources protected by individual national system MPAs, and (to the extent permitted by law and the maximum extent practicable) avoid harm to those resources. This will be accomplished through existing resource management or review authorities and consultation. Benefits to the Nation Connecting Marine and Coastal Protected Areas for Healthier Marine Resources - The national system provides an opportunity to identify and establish ecologically connected networks of MPAs and associated coastal protected areas. An ecological network of MPAs is a set of MPAs within a region that links key habitats for important marine species to grow and reproduce throughout their life cycles. These ecological networks are a key tool for reducing the vulnerability of marine species and their habitats to the impacts of climate change. Fostering MPA Effectiveness to Support Social and Economic Benefits healthy marine ecosystems provide a wealth of social and economic benefits to coastal communities and the nation at large. These include, for example, commercial and recreational fisheries; coastal tourism based on such recreational uses as beach going, swimming, scuba diving and kayaking; protection from storms and coastal flooding; and cultural and spiritual values. The national system fosters more effective MPAs, helping to sustain and promote these critical social and economic values. Supporting Efforts to Identify Gaps in Current Protection of Ocean Resources - The national system supports MPA program and community efforts to identify and highlight gaps in the protection of important places in the ocean. These gap analyses will help inform future planning efforts to create and/or modify MPAs to address national and regional conservation objectives and protect representative examples of the nation s marine ecosystems, habitats and cultural resources. Providing New Educational Opportunities - The national system enhances opportunities for natural and cultural heritage education, including onsite education and interpretation, as 7 well as classroom and web-based resources. National system members can help educate students and visitors about the nation s diverse marine and coastal ecosystems and cultural resources, and the importance of connectivity and adaptive management. The system also provides a mechanism to share educational materials about resources or management approaches among MPAs. Enhancing Research Opportunities - The national system provides scientists and managers with more opportunities to collaborate across MPA programs to understand the dynamics of marine ecosystems and human interactions with them under different management regimes. Improving International Coordination - The national system helps connect regional, state and territorial MPA efforts with relevant international initiatives to address issues of common

14 concern. For example, the National Marine Protected Areas Center connects national system MPAs with counterparts in other countries through engagement in the International MPA Congress, the World Parks Congress, and regional MPA networks such as the North American MPA Network and the Caribbean MPA Network. Benefits to Ocean Stakeholders Sustaining Fisheries - One goal of the national system is supporting sustainable production of fisheries and other marine resources. The national system provides a means to participate in fisheries management activities by regional fisheries management councils, inter-state fisheries commissions, states and tribes with other conservation efforts at the regional scale. This contributes to species recovery, spillover and seeding effects, habitat protection, conservation of oldgrowth age structure and genetic diversity, as well as providing improved information about access opportunities. Better Information for Diverse Ocean Uses and MPA Management - To support the national system, the MPA Center has established a national MPA Inventory, providing comprehensive information on MPAs managed by all federal, state and territorial agencies. This information supports state and regional efforts to plan for diverse ocean uses, including new or enhanced MPAs and provides information to visitors on allowed uses (see Promoting Stakeholder Involvement in Management and Establishment of MPAs - The national system promotes principles for MPA management and planning that include reliance on the best available science and information, transparent stakeholder engagement and adaptive management. II. About MPAs and MPA Networks A. Definition of MPA and its Key Terms The Order defines an MPA as [a]ny area of the marine environment that has been reserved by Federal, State, territorial, tribal or local laws or regulations to provide lasting protection for part or all of the natural and cultural resources therein. This inclusive definition is different from the definition used by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and adopted by many countries, which excludes areas managed for fisheries management (what the U.S. defines as sustainable production MPAs). For the purposes of reporting on progress toward international MPA targets, the U.S. reports on Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage MPAs in order to be consistent with IUCN usage. Table 1 provides definitions of key terms within this definition, including area, marine environment, reserved, lasting, and protection. These definitions were guided by recommendations from stakeholders, including the MPA FAC, and the analysis of existing place-based conservation efforts. 8 B. MPA Networks A MPA network is defined as a collection of individual MPAs or reserves operating cooperatively and synergistically, at various spatial scales, and with a range of protection levels that are designed to meet objectives that a single reserve cannot achieve. 4 With regard to natural resources, MPAs 4 Adapted from IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN-WCPA) Establishing Marine Protected Area Networks Making it Happen. Washington, D.C.: IUCN- WCPA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The Nature Conservancy. rksmakingithappen_en.pdf

15 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas span a range of habitats including the open ocean, coastal areas, intertidal zones and the Great Lakes. Networks of MPAs can connect these diverse habitats, providing protection to species that use different habitats at different life stages. Scientists and managers have called for the establishment of MPA networks to connect important habitats and populations ecologically, replenish and sustain marine life, maintain ecosystem processes and improve resilience by spreading risk in case of localized disasters. With regard to cultural heritage resources, MPA networks can provide greater protection for particularly important underwater cultural heritage resources within heritage landscapes, places connected by historical events, periods of history, and regions that have supported indigenous and traditional use and habitation through time. Most U.S. MPAs were established before the more recent focus on MPA networks and were therefore not designed to be ecologically connected. However, in the global context, about 80% 9

16 Table 1. Definitions of Key Terms for the Purposes of the National System Key Term Area Marine environment Definition Must have legally defined geographical boundaries, and may be of any size, except that the site must be a subset of the U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal marine environment in which it is located. Application of this criterion would exclude, for example, generic broad-based resource management authorities without specific locations and areas whose boundaries change over time based on species presence. The area must be one over which the U.S. has jurisdiction, consistent with international law. Must be: (a) ocean or coastal waters (note: coastal waters may include intertidal areas, bays or estuaries); (b) an area of the Great Lakes or their connecting waters; (c) an area of submerged lands under ocean or coastal waters or the Great Lakes or their connecting waters; or (d) a combination of the above. The term intertidal is understood to mean the shore zone between the mean low water and mean high water marks. An MPA may be a marine component part of a larger site that includes uplands; however, the terrestrial portion is not considered an MPA. For mapping purposes, an MPA may show an associated terrestrial protected area. For purposes of the national system, NOAA and DOI intend to use the following definition for the term estuary : Part of a river or stream or other body of water having unimpaired connection with the open sea, where the sea water is measurably diluted with fresh water derived from land drainage, and extending upstream to where ocean-derived salts measure less than 0.5 parts per thousand during the period of average annual low flow. Application of this criterion would exclude, for example, strictly freshwater sites outside the Great Lakes region that contain marine species at certain seasons or life history stages unless that site is a component of a larger, multiunit MPA. Upon request, the agencies will work with individual federal, state, and tribal MPAs and programs to examine unique conditions that may affect applicability of the term estuary or coastal waters for sites that have national or regional significance or representativeness. Reserved Lasting Estuarine-like sites on tributaries of the Great Lakes will be considered for inclusion if they are located within the eight-digit U.S. Geological Survey cataloging unit adjacent to a Great Lake or its connecting waters. Must be established by and currently subject to federal, state, local, or tribal law or regulation. Application of this criterion would exclude, for example, privately created or maintained marine sites. For natural heritage and cultural heritage MPAs, the site s authority must clearly state its intent to provide permanent protection. This definition recognizes that subsequent to establishment, MPA designation and level of protection may change for various reasons, including natural disasters that may destroy or alter resources or changes in societal values. Should any of these changes occur, the status of the MPA relative to the national system could be re-evaluated. Sites and/or protections that must have a specific legislative or other administrative action to be 10

17 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas decommissioned shall be considered to have been established with the intent to provide permanent protection. This would include, for example, sites that have a requirement for periodic renewal contingent on evaluation of effectiveness, with no specified expiration date. For sustainable production MPAs, the site must be established with the intent at the time of designation to provide, at a minimum, the duration of protection necessary to achieve the mandated long-term sustainable production objectives for which the site was established. For all MPAs, the site must provide the same level and type of protection at a fixed location and fixed and regular period of any duration during a year. Protection Must have existing laws or regulations that are designed and applied to afford the site with increased protection for part or all of the natural and submerged cultural resources therein for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing the lasting conservation of these resources, beyond any general protections that apply outside the site. Application of this criterion would exclude restricted areas that are established for purposes other than conservation. The term would not include, for example, areas closed for navigational safety, areas closed to safeguard modern human-made structures (e.g., submarine cable noanchor zones), polluted shellfish-bed closure areas, areas closed primarily to avoid fishing gear conflicts, and areas subject to area-based regulations that are established solely to limit fisheries by quota management or to facilitate enforcement. of the world s MPAs are proximate to at least one other area, with the majority of these (85%) connected to at least 10 other sites. While only 18% of these connected sites are currently part of any established network or system, 5 this geographic proximity, as well as the common management issues many MPAs face, provide a strong foundation for building and strengthening U.S. MPA networks. These efforts will be supported by ongoing research on the movements of adults, juveniles and larvae that will help inform management decisions about MPA networks. 5 Wood, L.J., L. Fish, J. Laughren and D. Pauley Assessing progress towards global marine protection targets: Shortfalls in information and action. Oryx 42:

18 III. What is the National System of MPAs? A. National System Purpose The purpose of the national system is to strengthen and connect the nation s diverse marine protected area programs in order to more effectively protect the nation s natural and cultural marine heritage and living marine resources for current and future generations. B. National System Goals and Conservation Objectives The national system s goals and objectives are designed to address the requirements of the Order to develop a comprehensive National System of MPAs representing diverse United States marine ecosystems and the nation s natural and cultural resources. These goals, which are all of equal importance, have been designed with input and recommendations of the MPA FAC and other stakeholders to meet the purpose of the national system relative to the conservation of the nation s natural heritage, cultural heritage, and sustainable production marine resources (Table 2). These goals and associated conservation objectives are intended to guide the development of the comprehensive national system, including identification of both existing MPAs to be included and conservation gaps which might be addressed through the establishment of MPAs. The national system as a whole will work collectively to achieve these goals and objectives. It is not expected that any individual MPA, MPA program, or system must address all goals or objectives. Measuring progress toward the attainment of these goals is addressed in Section VI(B). The national system aims to include protected areas deemed to be nationally or regionally important because of their role in meeting the following objectives. The national system aims to strengthen the connection between individual MPAs by fostering MPA networks and working in the context of ecosystem-based management and a cultural landscape approach. 12

19 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas Table 2. National System Goals and Conservation Objectives Natural Heritage Goal: Advance comprehensive conservation and management of the nation s biological communities, habitats, ecosystems and processes and the ecological services, uses and values they provide to present and future generations through ecosystembased MPA approaches. Natural Heritage Objectives: Conserve and Manage: Reproduction areas and nursery grounds Biogenic habitats Areas of high species and/or habitat diversity Ecologically important geological features and enduring/recurring oceanographic features Critical habitat of threatened and endangered species Unique or rare species, habitats, and associated communities Areas for migratory species Linked areas important to life histories Areas that provide compatible opportunities for education and research Cultural Heritage Goal: Advance comprehensive conservation and management of cultural resources that reflect the nation s maritime history and traditional cultural connections to the sea, as well as the uses and values they provide to present and future generations through a cultural landscape approach. Cultural Heritage Objectives: Conserve and Manage: Cultural and historic resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Cultural and historic resources determined eligible for the NRHP or listed on a State Register Cultural sites that are important to a culture's identity and/or survival Cultural and historic sites that may be threatened Cultural and historic sites that can be utilized for heritage tourism Cultural and historic sites that are under represented Sustainable Production Goal: Advance comprehensive conservation and management of the nation s renewable living resources and their habitats and the social, cultural and economic values and services they provide to present and future generations through ecosystem-based MPA approaches. Sustainable Production Objectives: Conserve and Manage: Reproduction areas, including larval sources and nursery grounds Areas that sustain or restore high-priority fishing grounds Areas for maintaining natural age/sex structure of important harvestable species Foraging grounds Areas that mitigate the impacts of bycatch Areas that provide compatible opportunities for education and research 13

20 C. Building the National System from Existing and New Sites The MPA Executive Order directs federal agencies to work together with other partners both in and outside of government to strengthen and expand the nation s system of MPAs. Building an effective the national system involves three distinct actions and roles for the MPA Center that are described in subsequent sections: 1. Identifying, nominating and including existing MPAs meeting the above criteria into the national system and into the community of participating member sites engaged by the National MPA Center, and maintaining the official List of National System MPAs; 2. Strengthening the National System of MPAs by enhancing the management effectiveness of existing MPAs; and 3. Expanding the National System of MPAs by contributing to regional and MPA program efforts to establish new MPAs and MPA networks. IV. Nominating MPAs to the National System MPA programs across all levels of government may nominate eligible sites to participate in the National System. Eligibility criteria are summarized in Appendix C, and the nomination process is described in detail in Appendix D. Figure 2 summarizes the nomination process. Figure 2. Summary of Nomination Process 14

21 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas V. Strengthening the National System of MPAs and MPA Programs Implementation of the national system began with the completion of the original version of this Framework in November 2008 and the first round of nominations of sites to the national system in April The first round of nominations resulted in 225 charter sites being admitted to the national system. As of March 2014, there are 437 sites in the national system, representing four federal programs and programs in 12 coastal states and territories. Since the national system was launched in late 2008, the National Marine Protected Areas Center has focused on demonstrating the added value of the national system to its members through the following activities: Annual meetings of members of the national system to identify program priorities and opportunities for collaboration; Small grants focused on increasing collaboration among MPA programs, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; Development of new spatial data and tools to better understand and address expanding human uses of the ocean and their implications for MPA planning and management; Regular updates and enhancement of the MPA Inventory; Updates on MPA science and management through the MPA Center website, marineprotectedareas.noaa.g ov and social media; Training; and Collaboration on outreach and communication. In 2011, the National Marine Protected Areas Center underwent an external review to obtain an objective, external assessment of progress in developing and implementing the national system. The external review process was conducted by four individuals with expertise in MPA science and management, and included a call for public comments as well as interviews with selected MPA managers. Key findings of the external review panel included that the MPA Center should focus on building partnerships among member sites; maximizing benefit to members of the national system; and facilitating professional networks among MPA managers. A brief summary of the review findings is included in Appendix G. Aligned with these recommendations, the timing of the implementation elements described below will depend on resources available and the priorities of national system partners. Significant additional resources will be needed to realize the full potential of each element. 15 In addition, monetary and nonmonetary incentives would greatly enhance state, tribal, and local participation in the national system, thereby increasing its conservation impact. National system implementation components include: Building Capacity for Improved MPA stewardship and effectiveness identifying and prioritizing shared needs for improvements in MPA science, management, and stewardship at regional and national levels and catalyzing partnerships and action to address identified priorities for existing MPAs. Fostering regional MPA networks and collaboration supporting regional efforts to build ecological and institutional MPA networks, and provide for collaboration among participating MPA sites, systems, and programs. National collaboration establishing and implementing a National System Partners Workgroup to build the management capacity of MPA programs and share information and best practices. International collaboration identifying high impact opportunities to build MPA stewardship across international boundaries,

22 through international fora and participation in international MPA networks, such as the North American MPA Network (NAMPAM) and the Caribbean MPA Network (CAMPAN). Federal agency responsibilities to avoid harm providing technical assistance upon request regarding Section 5 of the Order, which requires federal agencies to avoid harm to the natural and cultural resources protected by MPAs that become part of the national system. Enhancing MPA management capacity management plan development and review; managing visitor and user impacts; enforcement and compliance practices; best practices for meaningful stakeholder involvement; and sustainable financing mechanisms. improving public stewardship of marine resources through volunteer programs and other efforts. Improving the evaluation of MPA effectiveness training and technical assistance on developing relevant indicators and protocols for monitoring and evaluating management effectiveness for individual MPAs and networks of MPAs; and A. Improving MPA Stewardship, Science, and Effectiveness A significant purpose of the Order is to strengthen the management, protection, and conservation of existing [MPAs] (Section 1 (a)). As such, a major emphasis of the national system is to provide support for the shared science, technical, education, and other priority stewardship needs of partner MPA programs to enhance the national system s effectiveness. Improving MPA science and research building collaborative strategies for establishing biophysical, social, and economic baselines for MPAs and monitoring trends in these conditions; and developing science-based tools to identify and measure regional, ecosystem, and site connectivity. Promoting outreach and education identifying consistent indicators for examining marine ecosystem and social and economic conditions associated with MPAs. Collaborative activities will be implemented, subject to the availability of funds and other resources, through partnerships among MPA programs and others. Possible mechanisms include: training and workshops; direct technical assistance and tools; The following are examples of the types of priority science and stewardship issues that may be identified and addressed through collaborative actions among MPA programs to improve MPA effectiveness. The MPA Center will support such collaborative efforts. improving awareness and understanding of the importance of marine resources and the role of MPAs in marine management; sharing educational resources and strategies; and contractual or grant funding; support through external partnerships; best practices or technical publications; 16

23 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas sharing of knowledge and experience across MPA sites and programs; clearinghouse for research on MPA issues; targeted research; and facilitation of linkages with international MPA programs and activities. B. Fostering Regional MPA Networks and Collaboration Within the national system, effective regional coordination and collaboration are critical for sharing information and experiences, identifying common priorities and collaborative solutions for enhancing the effectiveness of existing sites, and improving planning and decision making for new MPAs. In the same way, effective regional collaboration should also include linkages to other marine management initiatives such as Regional Planning Bodies, Regional Ocean Partnerships, Regional Fishery Management Councils, Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, advisory bodies related to protected areas and marine management and the regional associations of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System. The national system will work with regional partnerships, in close collaboration with MPA programs, to provide expertise on MPA issues, foster regional MPA networks, provide information and tools to support decisions about place-based management and collaborate on initiatives and projects to address identified science and stewardship needs. The scale of regional collaboration depends on the suite of management objectives being addressed. Different regional entities and agencies operate at varying scales, with different, often overlapping boundaries. Existing regional boundaries that may be relevant for different planning and management efforts include: Large marine ecosystems Marine ecoregions Landscape conservation cooperatives 17 Cultural landscapes In recognition of the benefits of MPA networks, several regions within the U.S. are developing regional networks or participating in international MPA networks. These may be designed as ecological networks to maximize benefits to marine life, or, more frequently, professional and institution building networks to build the capacity of MPA programs. California s development of a statewide MPA network organized into four subregions is the most comprehensive regional ecological network in the U.S. Other regional capacity building efforts include the Pacific Islands MPA Community (PIMPAC) and the Caribbean MPA Network (CAMPAM). C. National Coordination In addition to fostering regional collaboration among MPAs, a corresponding national level effort is needed. Such an effort represents and promotes the priorities and issues of the various ecosystems and regions that make up the nation, as well as looking more broadly at important national and international trends, developments, priorities, and legal obligations. National coordination also serves to link across regions where resource conservation issues and MPA planning and management span regional boundaries. As required by the Order, the MPA Center will facilitate coordination at the

24 national level. The National System Programs Workgroup (Programs Workgroup), described below, will be established as part of this coordination. The Programs Workgroup is composed of one representative each from each program represented in the National System of MPAs, as well as the members of the Federal Interagency MPA Working Group. The Programs Workgroup provides operational guidance to the national system from the perspective of MPA managers. The MPA FAC will continue to provide recommendations to DOC and DOI on the implementation of the Order and on national system implementation from a stakeholder perspective. The Programs Workgroup will: provide advice to the MPA Center on annual and long-term priorities and plans for the national system; and identify management issues and other priorities that require inter-regional, national, and/or international coordination or efforts. Representatives to the Programs Workgroup will be selected by the participating MPA managing entities. Each federal agency will maintain an appointed ex officio member of the Federal Interagency MPA Working Group, who also will serve on the Programs Workgroup. D. International Coordination In addition to U.S. MPA programs and authorities, numerous international MPA efforts and linkages can contribute to and benefit from the national system. The United States shares many common resources with both neighboring and distant countries, and technical capabilities reside in many countries, organizations, and institutions around the world. In recognition of these important international connections, Section 4(a)(8) of the Order calls on federal agencies to identify opportunities to improve linkages with, and technical assistance to, international [MPA] programs. For instance, migratory species (e.g., whales, sea turtles, pelagic fishes, and birds) rely on the marine and coastal waters of 18 multiple countries during various stages of their lives. In addition, our underwater cultural heritage is governed by various international laws. For example, certain cultural resources that rest in the seabed of U.S. MPAs, such as sunken military craft and associated contents that have not been abandoned, have a protected sovereign status and permanent right, title, and interest may be vested in the flag country. To strengthen international partnerships on MPA issues, the MPA Center, representing the National System of MPAs, and the Programs Workgroup, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and internationally relevant regional forums, can seek to enhance existing or establish new linkages with efforts in other countries, in accordance with international law. Such linkages should be focused on issues of mutual benefit to U.S.

25 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas and international MPAs and MPA programs, such as policy coordination, collaborative activities, information and capacity sharing, capacity building, and technical assistance. These linkages may be formalized through participation in international MPA networks. International collaboration will be coordinated with and engage the MPA programs of the National System. E. Federal Agency Responsibilities to Avoid Harm Section 5 of the Order calls for federal agencies to avoid harm to the natural and cultural resources protected by MPAs that become part of the national system. Each federal agency is responsible for its own implementation of its responsibilities under Section 5. The Order states: Each Federal agency whose actions affect the natural or cultural resources that are protected by an MPA shall identify such actions. To the extent permitted by law and to the maximum extent practicable, each Federal agency, in taking such actions, shall avoid harm to the natural and cultural resources that are protected by an MPA. In implementing this section, each Federal agency shall refer to the MPAs identified under subsection 4(d) of this order. Implementation To implement Section 5 of the Order: The MPA Center will collect, maintain, and make publicly available via the MPA Center s website, noaa.gov, all relevant information for MPAs that are subject to agency requirements under Section 5, in the form of a List of National System MPAs. National system MPAs included in the List are those that have satisfied the requirements outlined in Sections IV (A) and (B) of the Framework and are officially a part of the National System of MPAs. Information maintained for each national system MPA on the List will include: site name, location, boundaries, authorizing legislation, level and types of protection, conservation and management purposes and managing authority/program. Information on points of contact is available by contacting the MPA Center. Federal agencies shall: (1) identify their activities that affect the natural or cultural resources protected by individual national system MPAs, and (2) to the extent permitted by law and to the maximum extent practicable, avoid harm to those resources. Both of these 19 activities should be accomplished through existing natural or cultural resource management or review authorities and procedures, including, but not limited to those under: o o o o o o o o o o o o National Environmental Policy Act; Coastal Zone Management Act; National Historic Preservation Act; Endangered Species Act; Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act); Marine Mammal Protection Act; National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act; National Park Service Organic Act; Rivers and Harbors Act; Sunken Military Craft Act; National Marine Sanctuaries Act (Title III of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act); Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act;

26 o o Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act; Coral Reef Conservation Act; o Energy Policy Act of 2005; and o Other pertinent statutes and Presidential Executive Orders. As federal policy, Section 5 directs federal agencies to ensure that their activities avoid harm to the natural and cultural resources protected by the MPAs included in the national system (to the extent permitted by law and to the maximum extent practicable) when fulfilling their existing requirements for identifying, reviewing and implementing activities. The Order does not provide new legal authority for any federal agency or the MPA Center to review activities of any other federal agency or to create different standards for existing review processes. Instead, the implementation of Section 5 is achieved using existing legal authorities that require federal agencies to identify, review, mitigate, or otherwise alter their activities based on impacts to natural or cultural resources of National System MPAs. provide technical assistance (e.g., guidance on best practices), coordination, or facilitation to agencies seeking to avoid harm to National System MPAs. Federal agencies will report their actions to implement Section 5, any comments received, and responses to such comments on an annual basis and may do so through existing processes. Activities to Be Considered Pursuant to Section 5 of the Order, agency requirements apply only to the natural or cultural resources specifically afforded protection by the site under its authorizing legislation. For example, within national system MPAs established for sustainable production, other resources not specifically protected by the MPA would not be subject to the avoid harm provision. For sites that have both a terrestrial (i.e., an area that falls outside of the definitional boundaries of marine ) and marine area, only the marine portion and its associated protected resources will be included on the List of National System MPAs and subject to Section 5 of the Order. Comment and Response on Agency Actions Comments from any person, organization, or government entity concerning federal agency compliance with Section 5 should currently be directed to the relevant lead federal agency for the action or actions that are the subject of the comments. Each agency shall make a determination on the response and take appropriate action. Similarly, any requests for information regarding Where appropriate, and upon request by one or more agency, the MPA Center may 20

27 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas compliance with Section 5, including those under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), should be directed to the lead agency for the action or actions that are the subject of the request. Any comments or requests for information received by the MPA Center or any federal agency in regard to another agency s compliance with this Section shall, pursuant to FOIA procedures, be forwarded in a timely manner to the relevant responsible agency for its consideration, with due notice given to the sender. Reporting and Periodic Review As required under Section 6, Accountability of the Order, [e]ach Federal agency that is required to take actions under the order shall prepare and make public annually a concise description of actions taken by it in the previous year to implement the order, including a description of written comments by any person or organization stating that the agency has not complied with this order and a response to comments by the agency. VI. Expanding the National System of MPAs The nation s ocean and coastal waters contain more than 1,700 existing MPAs. Individually and collectively, these sites contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of America s waters. Of those, about one quarter are now members of the US National System of MPAs. Established for a variety of purposes by diverse federal, state, and tribal agencies, each MPA has unique objectives and management approaches, influenced both by their fundamental legal mandates and by more practical programmatic priorities and resource levels. The Executive Order puts forward a vision and a challenge to create a comprehensive national system of effective sites meeting the diverse goals and objectives listed above. While strengthening existing MPAs is a critical component of achieving that vision, it is likely that not all of the important ocean areas in US waters are adequately protected to ensure their longterm conservation and sustainable use in today s rapidly changing world. A. Identifying Conservation Gaps To meet that need and the goals of the Order, the MPA Center may contribute to regional planning efforts and efforts by individual MPA programs to identify and fill important conservation gaps that may be effectively filled through the establishment of new MPAs and MPA networks. Examples of such gaps include: 21 Representation gaps: where a particular habitat, ecosystem, or cultural resource type is either unrepresented or underrepresented in the national system. Ecological gaps: where important species, habitats, ecosystems, or processes fundamental to the national system s goals are not adequately protected to ensure their lasting conservation and sustainable use. Management gaps: where the management regimes (management objectives or governance types) of MPAs in the national system do not fully provide for lasting conservation or sustainable production of a particular species, habitat, cultural resource, or ecosystem. B. National System Design Principles The following principles are intended to guide the decisions

28 o o Ecologically representative represents the range of marine and coastal biological diversity (from genes to species to habitats to ecosystems) and associated physical environments within the region or nation. Culturally and/or historically representative represents the range of cultural and/or historic resources and values of a particular ecosystem or region or the nation. and actions of managing entities and stakeholders in building and implementing an effective national system. These principles have been adapted from the World Commission on Protected Areas/International Union for Conservation of Nature (WCPA/IUCN) report, Establishing networks of marine protected areas: A guide for developing national and regional capacity for building MPA networks (WCPA/IUCN, 2007). These principles describe the properties of a national system comprised of functional ecological networks. In the United States, dozens of MPA programs have established MPAs over many decades preceding the more recent scientific understanding of the functions and benefits of ecological networks. As a result, there are relatively few ecological MPA networks in U.S. waters. The design principles listed below represent the desired characteristics of the national system, and will be used to evaluate its effectiveness and inform programmatic work to identify and fill conservation gaps. 6 Representativeness o Geographically representative represents the range of geographic regions of the nation. 6 The current professional literature on MPA networks is primarily focused on their ecological characteristics. Additional work to identify the principles and implementation guidelines for developing networks of cultural heritage sites is needed. 22 o Levels of government includes areas managed by federal, state, tribal, and local governments and communities. Replication Includes multiple sites to ensure continued representation in the face of harmful impacts. Precautionary design Decisions are based on the best information currently available from natural science, social science, customary and local knowledge, and other sources. Where information is limited, decisions should reflect a precautionary approach. Resilience Designed to maintain ecosystems natural states and to absorb shocks, particularly in the face of large-scale and long-term

29 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas changes (such as climate change). Viability Inclusion of selfsustaining, geographically dispersed component sites of sufficient extent to ensure population persistence through natural cycles of variation. Connectivity Maximize and enhance the linkages among individual MPAs, groups of MPAs within a given ecoregion, or MPA networks in the same and/or different regions. VII. Tracking, Reporting and Evaluation Tracking, reporting and evaluation of the national system are key components of an effective, adaptively managed system. The MPA Center will report on progress biennially, and post all data on the website. In addition, the MPA Center will work with the Programs Workgroup and participating MPA sites and programs to determine how best to comprehensively track overall national system priorities and activities. A. Marineprotectedareas.noaa.gov Website As required by the Order, the website s.noaa.gov will be maintained to communicate and archive all information about the development and implementation of the national system. The website will house information about a variety of technical, scientific, governance, and other MPA topics relevant to the breadth of MPA stakeholders, including the MPA FAC. In addition, the website will house information on national system progress, priorities, and plans, including: MPAs found to be eligible for nomination to the national system; MPAs that have been included in the national system; regional and national MPA partnerships to address science, stewardship, and management effectiveness needs; international activities and commitments; information on the nomination process and supporting analyses; information related to the evaluation of national system effectiveness; agency and MPA Center reports; public comments received on MPA nominations to and removals from the national system; and 23 the official List of National System MPAs. B. Evaluating National System Effectiveness Monitoring and evaluating management effectiveness is a key component of an effective, adaptively managed national system. Monitoring and evaluation efforts of the national system are focused on measuring the effectiveness of the national system in achieving its conservation objectives and management objectives and the contributions of participating national system MPAs and MPA programs in achieving those objectives. The national system does not aim to monitor or evaluate individual MPAs or MPA programs, although the national system can provide assistance to MPA programs to assist them in better evaluating their own efforts. Stakeholders with an interest in participating in the monitoring of individual MPAs or MPA programs should consult with the managing entity or entities.

30 As the national system is still in its early stages, the primary focus of the program will be in strengthening the basic attributes of the system. The focus on evaluating effectiveness will be further developed in the future, and will include: technical and scientific support for fostering sound monitoring, and evaluation programs at the participating MPA site or system level; development and implementation of guidance for assessing national system effectiveness, developed in cooperation with participating national system MPA sites and systems; and cooperation with existing or developing observation, monitoring and evaluation programs. The natural and social science data currently collected and used by MPA sites and systems to monitor and evaluate their own effectiveness will not only help in their adaptive management efforts, but also will contribute to the analysis of the national system s success in meeting its goals. The national system will aim to support the tools and technical assistance needed by partner MPA sites and systems to effectively monitor and evaluate their own effectiveness. It will not create new requirements for sites or systems to undertake new or expanded monitoring and evaluation activities. With advice from the MPA FAC, the Programs Workgroup, national system MPA partners in the regions, and science and management experts, the MPA Center will develop and publish guidance for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the national system. This guidance will provide an integrated approach for monitoring the effectiveness of the national system, including the degree to which the priority conservation objectives are met and the benefits are provided to participating MPA sites and systems. The results of monitoring and evaluating the national system will be used to manage the system adaptively and identify future focus areas for stewardship and other initiatives, including but not limited to: conservation gaps; technical and other forms of assistance in support of MPA sites and programs; and necessary changes to the national system s goals, objectives, or other components. VIII. Role of the MPA Center As described in Executive Order 13158, the MPA Center is responsible for carrying out the requirements of subsection 4(a) of this order which describes the National System of MPAs. As such, the MPA Center is responsible for the overall coordination and operations of the National System of MPAs, including the nomination process and maintenance of the MPA Inventory and National System List, the MPA website, the MPA Federal Advisory Committee and working with the individual MPA programs -- actions to strengthen and expand the National System and its component programs. A. Strengthening the National System of MPAs and MPA Programs 24 The MPA Center will coordinate national efforts to improve MPA stewardship, science and effectiveness, and foster the development of MPA networks and collaboration. B. Expanding the National System of MPAs The role of the MPA Center in addressing conservation gaps is to support the efforts of MPA

31 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas programs, stakeholders and communities. Neither the Order nor the Framework provides the MPA Center with the authority to designate or establish new MPAs or alter protections afforded by existing MPAs. Section 4(e) of the Order states: The goal of the MPA Center shall be, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior, to develop a framework for a national system of MPAs, and to provide Federal, State, territorial, tribal, and local governments with the information, technologies, and strategies to support the system. This national system framework and the work of the MPA Center is intended to support, not interfere with, agencies independent exercise of their own existing authorities. Resources permitting, the MPA Center may contribute to emerging and ongoing efforts to plan and designate new MPAs and MPA networks with the aim of strengthening and expanding the US National System of MPAs. The Center s engagement will likely vary considerably, based on the requests of the management or planning entity, and may range from: (i) providing relevant data, derived products and decisionsupport tools; (ii) to analyses of important conservation gaps in place-based management; to (iii) involvement in planning, outreach, interagency coordination or stakeholder engagement prior to designation. New MPAs that may eventually be established could subsequently be considered for inclusion in the national system pursuant to the eligibility criteria and nomination process outlined in this Framework. 25

32 Appendix A. Glossary of Key Terms The following are definitions of key terms as used in this Framework document. See Table 2 for the full definition of key terms used in the definition of an MPA. Adaptive management A systematic process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of operational programs. (British Columbia Forest Service, Area Must have legally defined geographical boundaries and may be of any size, except that the site must be a subset of the United States federal, state, local, or tribal marine environment in which it is located. Biodiversity The variety of living organisms in all their forms. Technically, biodiversity includes variety at three levels of biological organization: genetic variation within species, the variety of species, and the variety of ecological communities. Cultural heritage The legacy of physical evidence and intangible attributes of a group or society which is inherited and maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations. Cultural landscape A place where the intersection of culture and nature leave a distinct ecological or cultural imprint. Cultural landscape approach A management approach that uses cultural landscapes as an analytical framework to understand places and their associated resources. This approach is analogous and complementary to ecosystem-based management, and examines the relationships among living and non-living resources, and their environment. This approach enables a better understanding of the human connections to MPAs, as well as the important human influences on marine ecosystems over time. [Marine] Cultural resource The broad array of stories, knowledge, people, places, structures, and objects, together with the associated environment, that contribute to the maintenance of cultural identity and/or reveal the historic and contemporary human interactions with an ecosystem. Ecological network A set of discrete MPAs within a region that are connected through dispersal of reproductive stages (eggs, larvae, spores, etc.) or movement of juveniles and adults. The effective management of certain marine species may require networks of discrete MPAs encompassing regional collections of local populations linked by dispersal and movement, which may be essential for some local populations to persist. The creation of MPA networks must take into consideration other non-mpa areas that provide similar linkages, which does not necessarily imply additional management measures outside MPAs or the creation of a super MPA with boundaries encompassing all MPAs in the network. 7 Ecosystem A geographically specified system of organisms, including humans and the environment and the processes that control its dynamics. 8 MPA FAC,

33 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas Ecosystem-based management A management approach that looks at all the links among living and nonliving resources, rather than considering single species in isolation. This approach reflects the relationships among all ecosystem components, including humans and nonhuman species, and the environments in which they live. This system of management considers human activities, their benefits, and their potential impacts within the context of the broader biological and physical environment. 8 Extractive Activities that remove or are intended to remove living or nonliving resources from an MPA. Indigenous Peoples Descendants of peoples who inhabited the area now encompassed by the United States and its territories at the time of Euro-American colonization, or the establishment of present political boundaries, and who retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural and political institutions, irrespective of their legal status. Large Marine Ecosystems Regions of ocean space encompassing coastal areas from river basins and estuaries out to the seaward boundary and continental shelves and the seaward margins of coastal current systems. They are relatively large regions on the order of 200,000 square kilometers or greater, characterized by distinct bathymetry, hydrography, productivity, and trophically dependent populations. Lasting For natural heritage and cultural heritage MPAs, the site s authority must clearly state its intent to provide permanent protection. For sustainable production MPAs, the site must be established with the intent at the time of designation to provide, at a minimum, the duration of protection necessary to achieve the mandated long-term sustainable production objectives for which the site was established. Local government A legally established unit of government at a level below state government, including but not limited to county, city, town, or village. Management entity The federal, state, local, or tribal entity (or entities) with legal authority to designate, promulgate regulations for, and/or manage an MPA or other management area. In many cases, authority lies with one entity or program; however, in certain instances, such as the federal/state National Estuarine Research Reserve System and state/tribe co-management arrangements, authority is formally shared or split among two or more entities. Marine environment Must be: (a) ocean or coastal waters (note: coastal waters may include intertidal areas, bays, or estuaries); (b) an area of the Great Lakes or their connecting waters; (c) an area of lands under ocean or coastal waters or the Great Lakes or their connecting waters; or (d) a combination of the above. Marine Protected Area Any area of the marine environment that has been reserved by federal, state, territorial, tribal, or local laws or regulations to provide lasting protection for part or all of the natural and cultural resources therein. See also Area, Marine environment, Reserved, Lasting, and Protection. Marine Reserve A type of MPA where extractive uses are prohibited (also referred to as no-take reserve). National System of MPAs The group of MPA sites, networks, and systems established and managed by federal, state, tribal, and/or local governments that collectively enhance conservation of the nation s natural and cultural marine heritage 8 U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy (USCOP) An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century, Washington, D.C. 27

34 and represent its diverse ecosystems and resources. National system MPAs work together at the regional and national levels to achieve common objectives for conserving the nation s important natural and cultural resources. Natural heritage The nation s biological communities, habitats, ecosystems, and processes and the ecological services, uses, and values they provide to present and future generations. [Marine] Natural resource Any biological or physical component of the marine environment that contributes to the structure, function, goods, or services provided by a marine ecosystem. Network A set of discrete MPAs within a region or ecosystem that are connected through complementary purposes and synergistic protections. A network of MPAs could focus on ecosystem processes, certain individual marine species, or cultural resources. For example, an ecological network of MPAs could be connected through dispersal of reproductive stages or movement of juveniles and adults (see Ecological network ). Precautionary design Decisions are based on the best information currently available from natural science, social science, customary and local knowledge, and other sources. Protection Must have existing laws or regulations that are designed and applied to afford the site with increased protection for part or all of the natural and submerged cultural resources therein for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing the long-term conservation of these resources, beyond any general protections that apply outside the site. Region or Regional An area inclusive of and determined by participating national system sites and systems that is based on common management interests, similar or linked ecological characteristics, and/or other factors that provide a foundation for meaningful coordination. Reserved Must be established by and currently subject to federal, state, local, or tribal law or regulation. Stakeholder Individuals, groups of individuals, organizations, or political entities interested in and/or affected by the outcome of management decisions. Stakeholders may also be individuals, groups, or other entities that are likely to have an effect on the outcome of management decisions. Members of the public also may be considered stakeholders. State See United States. 28

35 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas Stewardship Careful and responsible management to ensure goals and objectives are being achieved for the benefit of current and future generations. Sustainable production managed principally to support the continued sustainable extraction (or removal) of renewable living marine resources (e.g. fish, shellfish, plants, birds or mammals). System A set of MPAs connected by shared programmatic, administrative, or other organizing principles or purposes. A system of MPAs is not necessarily confined to a specific geographic area such as a region or ecosystem. Tribe A federally or state recognized American Indian or Alaska Native government, or any extant or historical tribe, band, nation, or other group or community of indigenous peoples in or associated with the United States of America.. United States Includes the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. 29

36 Appendix B. Acronyms and Abbreviations Used Acronyms CAMPAN Caribbean MPA Network CEQ - Council on Environmental Quality DOC Department of Commerce DOI Department of the Interior EPA Environmental Protection Agency FOIA Freedom of Information Act FMC Federal Fishery Management Council FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MPA Marine protected area MPA FAC Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee NAMPAN North American MPA Network NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NERRS National Estuarine Research Reserve System NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NRHP National Register of Historic Places PEA Programmatic Environmental Assessment PIMPAC Pacific Islands MPA Community U.S. United States of America WCPA/IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas/International Union for Conservation of Nature Abbreviations Framework Framework for Developing the National System of MPAs MPA Center National Marine Protected Areas Center National System National System of Marine Protected Areas NOAA Fisheries Service NOAA s National Marine Fisheries Service Order Executive Order of May 26, 2000 Programs Workgroup National System of MPA Program Representatives 30

37 Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas Appendix C. Eligibility Criteria for the National System of MPAs To be eligible for nomination to the national system, existing MPAs must meet all three (four for cultural sites) criteria, shown in Figure 2 and described in more detail below: 1. Meet the definitional criteria of an MPA, including each of its key terms (see definitions in Table 1) area, marine environment, reserved, lasting, and protection. 2. Have a management plan that addresses cultural and natural resources, as appropriate. 3. Support at least one priority goal and conservation objective of the national system. 4. Cultural heritage MPAs also must conform to criteria for including sites on the National Register of Historic Places, or be considered important by Indian Tribes and tribal communities, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, or have the potential to provide information important to understanding cultural and natural heritage. Additional sites not currently meeting the management plan criterion can be evaluated for eligibility to be nominated to the system on a case-by-case basis based on their ability to fill gaps in national system coverage of the conservation objectives and design principles described in Sections VI (A). To the extent practicable, the MPA Center intends to assist otherwise qualified sites that do not meet the management plan criterion to develop or strengthen their management plans at their request in order to meet this criterion. 31

A Functional Classification System for Marine Protected Areas in the United States The U.S. Classification System: An Objective Approach for Understanding the Purpose and Effects of MPAs as an Ecosystem

ii FRAMEWORK FOR THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF MARINE PROTECTED AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA U.S. United States of America USOAP U.S. Ocean Action Plan (USOAP) USGS US Geological Survey WCPA/IUCN World

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